Unblocking the toilet

How to Address Low Water Pressure Issues With Your Sprinkler System

17 October 2016
by Nicholas Chambers

Using a can or hose to water your lawn or garden can be an exhausting task, especially if it is large in size. Installing an irrigation system can help keep your lawn green all year round without having to go through the exhausting process of watering it manually. However, irrigation systems do not come without some flaws. You may notice that there are times when the water pressure from your sprinklers is pretty low. This means that you may have to change the location of the sprinkler regularly so that the entire space can be watered, and this can be exhausting. Here are some of the causes of low water pressure in irrigation systems and how you can fix them.

Clogged water line

This is the most common problem that you may experience with your sprinklers. If you have more than one sprinkler and the water pressure is low on one or two heads only,it means that the line supplying water to the head is partially clogged with grass, mud, or debris. Inspect the area around the sprinkler head and remove any debris that may be inhibiting the flow of water. Also, check for any cracks in the sprinkler system, as they can allow mud and dirt into the line and prevent proper flow of water.

Broken water line

If the line supplying water to your sprinklers is broken, it will not be able to supply water at a high pressure. Your water line may break if you have undertaken any digging, fence installation, or edging projects and hit the line accidentally. It is easy to notice a broken line if the damage was severe as the water will begin pooling on the ground's surface. However, if the damage is minimal, it will be hard to identify the spot. Inspect your water line if the water pressure in your sprinklers reduces after undertaking yard or garden work.

Blocked backflow valves

Backflow valves are essential devices in your sprinkler system. They help prevent the backflow of water, a function that is particularly useful in the event that there is a leak on a garden or lawn with fertilizers and chemicals. If there are not preventer valves, in the event of a leak, the water will mix with the chemicals and flow back into your plumbing system. Broken, faulty, or partially blocked backflow valves can reduce the pressure of water in your irrigation system. Inspect them and get rid of the dirt and debris. Also, replace any broken valves to ensure proper functionality.

Hire a professional plumber if you are unable to detect or fix the problem that's causing low pressure in your sprinkler systems.

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About Me

If I didn't know better, I'd think my toddler started each day with a challenge to throw something new and different down the toilet. He has managed to put nearly anything can imagine down the toilet. I have gotten pretty good at figuring out what has gone missing down the loo and whether it's something I can fix or something that I need to call the plumber to help me fix it. This blog is for other mums of toddlers who need to get toys out of the toilet and get the toilet back to working condition as soon as possible!